About this role
<p style="line-height:115%;margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"><em><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;color:#0070c0;background-color:white"> </span></strong></em></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">ENGINEERING MANAGER - MECHANICAL</span></strong></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">PC 12</span></strong></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;color:#0070c0">Maintenance & Operations Department</span></strong></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">Properties and Services</span></strong></p><p style="line-height:115%;margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:115%;margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:115%;margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Maintenance and Operations Division, within Properties and Services Department (P&S), is seeking an </span><span style="line-height:115%">Engineering Manager – Mechanical that will establish and lead the Mechanical Business Unit, overseeing all mechanical systems across the university campuses. The role ensures reliable operation, statutory compliance, and energy-efficient performance of HVAC systems, service water heating (heat pumps, boilers), gas reticulation, fire safety systems </span></span></p> <p style="line-height:115%;margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">(sprinklers, fire curtains, portable devices), lifts and elevators, pumps and motors, and specialised faculty-procured mechanical equipment. The unit is responsible for managing corrective, planned, and preventative maintenance as well as coordinating all minor and major mechanical projects.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Requirements include:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng or BSc Eng) (NQF Level 8) </span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Professional mechanical engineer (Pr.Eng in good standing (ECSA)) with at least 10 years’ relevant experience in mechanical engineering, including operations, maintenance, and project design. </span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Proven leadership and management experience in directing multi-disciplinary teams. Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, service water heating (boilers, heat pumps), fire protection and life safety systems, lifts and elevators, gas installations, pumps, and specialized mechanical equipment. </span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Familiarity with mechanical and fire safety codes, SANS standards, ASHRAE, NFPA, EN regulations, and OHS Act legislation.</span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Computer Literacy with proficiency in MS Office 365, MS Word, Ms Excel, Ms Outlook, MS Power BI. </span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Knowledge of Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit (for design drawing reviews, as-built updates, and project integration). Computerised Management Maintenance System (CMMS) modules (linked to Archibus or similar) for preventative and corrective maintenance scheduling. Building Management Systems (BMS) and integration with SCADA platforms for HVAC, fire detection, and vertical transportation systems. HVAC Design & Analysis Software Standards and Codes<strong> - </strong>National: SANS 10400 (Building Regulations – Fire Protection), SANS 347 (Pressure Equipment), OHS Act, SANS 10139 (Fire Detection), SANS 10287 (Boilers), SANS 10252/3 (Water Services), Gas Regulations, Lift Regulations.</span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Valid South African Driver’s License (Minimum Code B).</span></li> <li style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Medically fit with ability to work at height and in confined spaces.</span></li> </ul> <p style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:115%;text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Responsibilities include but not limited to:</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Lead and manage the Mechanical Business Unit, including engineers, inspectors, technicians, and support staff.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of all mechanical systems across UCT campuses (HVAC, boilers, pumps, lifts, fire systems, gas, and specialised mechanical equipment).</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Ensure statutory compliance, safety, and risk management across all mechanical infrastructure and fire safety systems.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Coordinate, review, and approve mechanical designs for all minor and major projects, ensuring compliance with UCT standards and regulatory requirements.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Drive energy efficiency initiatives, monitor mechanical utility performance, and identify opportunities for consumption and cost reduction.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Manage specialised faculty-procured equipment requiring mechanical integration (e.g., lab HVAC, fume cupboards, clean rooms).</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Lead lifecycle asset management, preventative maintenance programmes, and reliability improvement initiatives.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Oversee contractor performance, service level agreements, and quality assurance of all mechanical works.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:black">Contribute to building a strong P&S culture, promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional integrity in all operations.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">The annual cost of employment, including benefits for 2025, is between<strong> </strong>R <span style="color:black">1 096 962 and R 1 290 542</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">To apply, please visit the UCT Careers Site to create a profile and submit your application.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Curriculum Vitae (CV)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">A letter of motivation clearly addressing your qualifications for the various responsibilities listed above</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Pr.Eng (ECSA)) membership </span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessment and will be required to undergo medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Any inquiries for this position are to be addressed to Ms Natasha Khan at [email protected] or 021 650 3469. Please do not send or submit job application/CV via this e-mail.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Closing Date: 27th July 2026 Website: P&S</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;line-height:115%;margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 18.0pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected].</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif">The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Century Gothic', sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p>